Dummy News and Views the Newsletter of the United States Stamp Society - Dummy Stamps Study Group Issue Number 27 Spring 2012 Welcome to the Dummy Stamps Study Group s Twenty-Seventh Newsletter This newsletter is produced quarterly by the United States Stamp Society s - Dummy Stamps Study Group for your information and pleasure. We hope that the information included in this newsletter will be informative, useful and encourage your enjoyment of collecting dummy/test stamps. Our goal is to keep you up-to-date with the latest information available to our group. Questions, comments and articles proposed for publication should be directed to Terry R. Scott, Chairman of the Dummy Stamps Study Group at trs@napanet.net Another Wonderful Meeting at WESTPEX in San Francisco by Terry R. Scott Left to right - Jim Kloetzel, Dave Cockrill & Terry Scott Photo taken by Doug Iams On April 27-29, 2012 the annual WESTPEX stamp show was held at the San Francisco Airport Marriott Hotel in Burlingame, CA near the San Francisco International Airport as it has been for many years. This show is the largest stamp show on the West Coast and it is very nicely run and has been for a long time. This year was to be another special year for me at the show. In past years I have had the opportunity to please turn to page 2 In this issue: Meeting at WESTPEX 1 New EXPERIMENTAL test stamp 2 ATM Test Sheetlets 4 Recent Auctions of Interest 6 Proposed Future DSSG Project 10 Page 1 of 10
meet and discuss test stamps with Mr. James Kloetzel, Editor Emeritus of Scott Catalogues. The same opportunity was afforded me and fellow Dummy Stamps Study Group members Dave Cockrill and Doug Iams this year. Topics of discussion included several new discoveries. One of the items discussed with the new discovery by Dave Cockrill of 6 different EXPERIMENTAL test stamps similar in design to the currently listed TD118 test stamp reported in the July 9, 2012 issue of Linn s Stamp News. These will be listed in the 2013 Scott Specialized Catalogue of United States stamps and Covers as TD118A-TD118F. See the article describing these new test stamps on page 2 of this newsletter. The discovery of the Kendall test coil by Michael Pappas of Plymouth, Michigan was again discussed and will be listed in the 2013 Scott Specialized Catalogue of United States stamps and Covers. The Kendall test stamp was shown in the December 2010 issue of this newsletter but was overlooked for inclusion into the 2012 Scott Specialized. Another new discovery by fellow DSSG member Michael Perry was the previously unlisted "G" Rate test booklet produced by KCS Industries. It was reported in the Fall 2011 issue of this newsletter and was also discussed for listing in the 2013 Scott Specialized. It will be listed as TDB38B. The discovery by John Larson of the TD37 with 11.5 vertical perforations reported in the Fall 2011 issue of this newsletter as well as the TD37 with 11.8 vertical perforations discovered by Joann Lenz are also scheduled for listing in the 2013 Scott Specialized. Other new items were discussed as were corrections to existing listings and additional information for existing listings. New EXPERIMENTAL Test stamps Discovered by Dave Cockrill As briefly mentioned in the above article regarding the meeting this year at WESTPEX Stamp Show in San Francisco, CA with Jim Kloetzel was the new discovery by Dave Cockrill of 6 different EXPERIMENTAL test stamps similar in design to the currently listed TD118. As reported by Dave Cockrill, this set of six engraved stamps (see below) were printed by Goebel in Western Germany in 1979-80 from film and plates prepared by the Bureau of Printing & Engraving as they were shopping for a new press that could hold better registration than the Giori which was having issues holding tight registration (see the 1978 Wildlife Conservation issue Sc.#1760-63). These stamps are very similar to the previously listed full color stoplight "Octagons" Scott #TD118. It is believed that these newly discovered bi-color test stamps were printed after the TD118 full color version. I requested information on these issues, as well as the currently listed TD118 from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. They could find no records of these newly discovered test stamps in their records but were able to confirm a January 2, 1979 date as the certified date for Plate #173404 that TD118 was by Terry R. Scott printed from, thereby confirming the early 1979 date. This information will correct the date in the current 2012 Scott Specialized Catalogue. Information on the plate layout for these new test stamps is unknown but there are 6 different color combinations of black, blue and red. For consistency in discussions, and 2013 Scott Specialized Catalogue listings, it was decided to start the first listing using the all black color stamp. From strips of 3 and blocks of 6 of these, the following is the sequence of colors from left to right used for listing. It is to be noted that no wider pieces than 3 stamps wide and blocks of 6 (3 x 2) are known. Not all strips of 3 or blocks of 6 start with the solid black stamp at left, others are known. The stamp color listings start with a solid black stamp (TD118A) then going to a stamp with black on left half and blue on right half (TD118B), followed by a solid blue stamp (TD118C), next is a stamp with blue on the left half and red on the right half (TD118D), the next stamp is solid red (TD118E), with the following stamp being red on the left half and black on the right half (TD118F). The next stamp to the right starts repeating the color pattern with a solid black stamp (TD118A) and so on. please turn to page 3 Page 2 of 10
It is to be noted that all known blocks of 6 (3 x 2) have the same color pattern on vertical pairs. (see illustrations for colors). Less than 150 of these stamps in singles, pairs and strips of 3 are known to be in collector's or stamp dealer's hands. These stamps are 22 x 37mm with a horizontal gap of 22.5mm between each stamp. The gum is a high gloss version. There were no printed plate numbers found and only two horizontal pairs with red EE margin markings at the bottom. As previously mentioned in the above article, these will be listed in the 2013 Scott Specialized Catalogue of United States stamps and Covers as TD118A-TD118F. please turn to page 4 Page 3 of 10
Scott TDB83 Avery Dennison ATM Test Sheetlet by Terry R. Scott A recent discovery of a couple of the Scott TDB83 Avery Dennison ATM Test Sheetlets has produced some interesting facts about this item. My understanding is that these test sheetlets are very scarce and this is the first one that I have actually seen in person. Over a year ago I was able to get a couple of these interesting ATM test sheetlets from a listing on ebay. When they were received the first thing I noticed about them was that the back had no printing whatsoever, they are totally blank. The listing in Research Paper Number 3 - Dummy Stamp Booklets, produced by the United States Stamp Society in 1998 indicates that the back side has the same printing as on the issued ATM sheetlets. The TDB83 examples that I have examined have no die cutting between the stamp images. Unfortunately Earl McAfee, who was the editor of this great paper, has passed away so it is not clear if he ever actually saw one of these. My speculation is that he did not actually examine one but the listing was a result of this interesting ATM test sheetlet being illustrated on the front cover of an Avery Annual Report. What I do know for a fact is that I created the replica of the one shown on the Avery Annual Report for Research Paper Number 3 - Dummy Stamp Booklets using computer technology. This discovery was reportedly part of an estate of a previous Avery officer. The stamp dealer who purchased the stamps from the estate said that these were the only United States stamp items in the estate and the remainder of the stamps in the estate were from various countries around the world.. USPS Avery Dennison ATM Test Sheetlet In the current (1998) edition of Research Paper Number 3 - Dummy Stamp Booklets, produced by the United States Stamp Society, the item shown as For The Record - Question Marks on page D 15 has been found with a different printing on the reverse side. The front is the same but the back has reference to American Bankers Association/Bank Marketing by Terry R. Scott Association / National Conference for Community Bankers / Scottsdale, Arizona / February 18-21, 1990. Fellow DSSG member, Jim Noll who specializes in ATM sheetlets researched this sheetlet and found that the conference was held at the Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ February 18-21, 1990. Records please turn to page 5 Page 4 of 10
indicate that no speakers addressed any ATM or stamp topics. The only related exhibit was the USPS in Booth 10. There were no ATM manufacturers or related ATM or stamp printing companies. It can only be speculated that the USPS booth gave these out to attendees that were interested. This new example is also printed on heavy card stock with a glossy finish on the front similar to photo paper. See the illustrations below. The revised Research Paper Number 3 - Dummy Stamp Booklets will have a new section titled Paper Sheetlets and this ATM test sheetlet will be placed in that section, as well as several others currently listed in the Self-adhesive section under For The Record - Question Marks. Thanks to Jim Noll for his diligent research on these interesting ATM test items.. please turn to page 6 Page 5 of 10
Recent Auctions of Interest to Dummy Stamp Collectors On January 25, 2012, Vance Auctions Ltd. (Canada) held Sale #286 that contained the following test stamp. There is no buyer s premium for this sale. by Terry R. Scott Lot 797 o Test Stamp, 1922, Mail O Meter, on company ad cover (Scott TD60), perfed 10½ vertically, on The Postage Meter Company corner ad cover with notation that envelope was stamped & sealed by the Mail O Meter, creased vertically at center, Fine to Very Fine. Photo Estimate $250.00 - $350.00 Realized $600.00 Lot 4222 4222 TD91, Coil Pair of the 1944 TEST STAMP. VF, NH Photo Cat. $50.00+ Realized is unknown. On January 25-27, 2012, Daniel F. Kelleher Auctions, LLC held Sale #628 that contained the following test stamps. There is an 18% buyer s premium for this sale. Lot 798 ** Test Stamp, 1962, orange (Scott TD110), pair, o.g., never hinged, fresh and scarce, Very Fine. Photo Scott $2,000.00 Estimate $750.00 - $1,000.00 Not Sold On February 3-5, 2012, Regency Superior held Public Auction #91 that contained the following test stamps. There is an 18% buyer s premium for this sale. Lot 796 Test Stamps, 1910-44 (Scott TD37//TD88), includes TD37,TD 65, TD73 listed but unpriced in Scott s, TD88 strip of five, scarce group, o.g., hinged or never hinged, Very Fine. No Photo Estimate $250.00 - $350.00 Realized $110.00 please turn to page 7 Page 6 of 10
Lot descriptions are roughly translated from German. Front Rear Lot 5032A United States (TDB36) Goebel-printed US test booklet Jack London containing 2 panes of 10, with matching cover and pane numbers (10), mint, NH, Photo 2012 Scott listed with SCV $500.00 MB 180.00. Realized Sold for 210 Euros + 19% buyer's commission + 2 Euros. Front Lot 7066 2005? United States 2 different Test Booklet panes, each with 18 blue stamps, serpentine die cut 8-1/2, mint never hinged. Photo Scott TDB91, TDB92 MB 80.00 Realized 72 Euros + 19% buyer's commission + 2 Euros in the after-sale where (MB-10%) bids are accepted. On April 17, 2012 Paradise Valley Stamp Company, Inc. held Mail Auction #F256 that contained the following test stamp. There is no Buyer's Premium. Lot No. 5075 TEST BOOKLET WITH TWO BLANK IMPERF PANES, #TDB29, very fine, cat. $50.00. Photo MB $25.00 Realized $25.00 Rear On April 19-22, 2012, Daniel F. Kelleher Auctions, LLC held Public Auction 629 that contained the following test stamps. There is an 18% buyer's premium. please turn to page 8 Page 7 of 10
Lot 527 Test Stamp, 1960, dummy coils, blank Between Sides", complete roll of 500, o.g., never gummed dummy stamps perf 9½, purple "Dummy Coils" on paper leader with printed "3. 500 / 3 hinged, Very Fine, scarce. No Photo. Est. $500.00 - $750.00 Realized $275.00 Postage Stamps / Coiled Sidewise / Perforated / On April 25-26, 2012, Cherrystone Auctions, held Public Auction Sale - 412 that contained the following test stamp There is a 15% buyer's premium. please turn to page 9 Page 8 of 10
Lot 147 E 1994 unissued design, three large die proofs, two with center only in black, the other in ultramarine inscribed "Experimental USA 00", v.f., possibly unique Photo Est. $1,500.00 Realized $1,900.00 On April 26-29, 2012 Schuyler Rumsy Philatelic Auctions held Sale 47, the WESTPEX Auction that contained the following test stamps. There is a 15% buyer's premium. Lot 1636 1906 Shermack Type III Blank Test Pair, o.g., never hinged, Very Fine, listed but unpriced in Scott. Photo. Scott No. TD46 Estimate $200.00 - $300.00 Not Sold TD47; $200 for single Estimate $150.00 - $200.00 Not Sold Lot 3693 /o/ Private Vending Coils Collection. Arranged on stockpages and housed in two binders; nice showing of basic issues starting with Brinkerhoff type I with mint pairs including #314, 320, 344 guideline, 368, etc., used including scarce 368 single, good type II pairs including 320 II used pair, mint with 1908-09 Wash-Franks, Alaska-Yukon issue with left margin part imprint pair, selection of Farwell types mostly used, Mailometer with type I Lincoln and Alaska-Yukon pairs, good type IV mint pairs including #483 pair with G. Howard note, Mailometer fake reference collection, Schermack includes #368 type mint pair, type II issues including 314 & 320 pairs and 368 both spacings, an array of type III issues including 1909 2 red issues, U.S. Automatic Vending in similar fashion with many good pairs, pocket type, other sections include many John Farwell corner card covers, private roulettes, vending & affixing machine advertisement stamps, test stamps, Simplex cut, etc. No photo. Est. $2,000.00 - $3,000.00 Realized $4,000.00 Lot 1637 1910-27 Mailometer Type I Blank Test Pair, o.g., never hinged, Very Fine. Photo. Scott No. please turn to page 10 Page 9 of 10
On May 9, 2012, Vance Auctions Ltd. held Sale - 288 that contained the following test stamp. There is a 15% buyer's premium. Lot 7141 TEST BOOKLET WITH TWO BLANK IMPERF PANES, #TDB29, very fine, cat. $50.00 Photo MB $25.00 Realized $32.00 On June 6, 2012 Danbury Stamp Sales, a Division of Daniel F. Kelleher Auctions, LLC held Sale - 401 that contained the following test stamp. There is a 18% buyer's premium. Lot 4004 TD91, Coil Pair of the 1944 TEST STAMP. VF, Photo. Cat 50.00+ Realized unknown. On May 15, 2012, Paradise Valley Stamp Company held Sale - F258 that contained the following test stamp. There is no buyer's premium. Lot 9196 TD109 Test Stamp, 1962, green (Scott TD109), fresh and choice, pair, o.g., never hinged, Extremely Fine. Photo Scott $180.00 Realized unknown. Proposed Future DSSG Project Updating Research Paper Number 3 - Dummy Stamp Booklets Work is progressing, very much still at a snail s pace, on updating Research Paper Number 3 - Dummy Stamp Booklets. The last update by Earl McAfee, Dummy Booklets Study Group Chairman, was in take quite a bit of time to complete, have no estimated completion date in mind. I will be asking all of you to join me in this project as I am not able to do it all, nor would you want me to do it all. It is a DSSG project 1998. Since then there have been many new and all members should have a chance to provide their discoveries. Many of them have been written up in articles in The United States Specialist. Now the time has come to document and illustrate them in a new updated version of Research Paper Number 3. I am in charge of this update project and knowing that it will input. Several illustrations are needed and a listing of these will be sent to you when I compile it. Scans at 300 dpi are necessary for clarity. It is anticipated that this publication will be in color. It has not yet been determined if it will be available on CD. This issue and all past issues of the Dummy Stamps Study Group Newsletter - Dummy News and Views may be found at: http://www.usstamps.org/dssg.html Page 10 of 10